XXX
He was so sleepy. He fell against his brother like dead weight, too tired to even sit up on his own. Not that he would want to if he could. Lately Luffy had been doing everything on his own. With his own power, whatever was left of it after all this time here. And he was tired of having to do everything on his own. But he didn't have to anymore. Just for right now.
Sabo had made him get up out of the corner, the safe corner, so he could talk to the doctor- Marco. The doctor was near the two other pirates and Thatch. It seemed like they had some things to talk about. Luffy wasn't really listening. He didn't care what they said at this point. He just wanted Ace to come back. And maybe then they could leave this group, taking Thatch with them, and Luffy could go back to sleep. Only then would he be satisfied, that when he woke up he wouldn't be alone again. Or even worse back in his prison cell where it was so dark and cold he couldn't even see his hand in front of his face.
Luffy had finally stopped crying a few minutes ago, right before Sabo had half pulled, half lifted him up to sit by the fire so he could talk to the pirates. At least he had sort of stopped crying. More like he had literally run out of tears, probably because his body hadn't had much water to begin with.
Luffy felt the heat of the flames on his face from the makeshift fire, clearing away any of the wetness that might still remain. The fire blaze was bright. Dr. Marco had made it, him and his freaky power. It seemed like today every time Luffy turned around things were on fire. How weird was that? It was also warm. But not as warm as Sabo sitting behind him. His brother's arms were around him, looped loosely around his neck in a way that if it were anyone else Luffy would push them away.
"I don't think he would risk that yet, at least I hope not."
"You never really know with him do you?"
"He seemed pretty mad."
"Yea but mad enough to do that?"
"We have to go get him! It's been long enough. This waiting is making me restless." That one was Thatch.
"What do you think? You clearly have a plan."
They were talking about Ace. Luffy tightened his hand on Sabo's sleeve and the older boy squeezed his shoulder gently in a silent reassurance.
"My plan was for it to be me who was distracting the marines." Sabo answered Marco, and when he spoke Luffy could feel the feint vibration against his back.
"So, he came to help you and you just ditched him?" One of the pirates pushed.
"Haruta," Marco began.
"He didn't leave me with much of a choice," Sabo told him his voice calm. "When he get's an idea in his head he makes sure that's the way things go."
"So your plan is to go along with whatever Ace says?" Marco said, "That doesn't sound like you." There was something in his tone that annoyed Luffy.
"It's just like me," Sabo argued. "When he get's like this I always go along with it… at least for a little while. It saves me time."
"I'm glad this is funny to you," The quieter of the two pirates spoke up.
"So damn funny." Sabo agreed, his tone impossible to read, devoid of any noticeable signs of anger or humor. But from where he sat Luffy could feel his brother's heartbeat speed up. He too was annoyed but letting none of it show.
"Izo," Marco said sounding very weary. Silently asking the other to keep the peace.
"We are going to take a strangers word for it?" Izo asked him quietly. "After everything Teach has done, all of the games he played. How do we know this guy didn't lead Ace into a trap and leave him?"
There it was again. That same tone. What was with these guys! They didn't even know Sabo. And they were blaming him for this! For Ace being a stupid head. Luffy might have no clue, like none at all, what was going on, but he knew Sabo would never do that.
"Or that he isn't secretly on Teach's pay roll?" Haruta spoke up. "It would hardly be the first time that the bastard got himself an inside spy."
"Guys," Thatch cut in trying to stop them from saying more. But Luffy's hand was already in Sabo's coat. His fingers closed around the first thing he found and before the blond realized What Luffy was doing he pushed away from the other. Breaking free of Sabo's arms, he threw the item strait at the pirate who accused Sabo of sabotaging Ace. He honestly didn't know if he could stand up right now so instead Luffy settled onto his knees in front of his brother protectively.
"Your wrong!" He told them and his voice didn't sound at all like he wanted it to. He wanted to sound absolute but instead he was so quiet the entire room had to strain to hear him. Stupid broken throat. But Luffy's glare made up for what his voice couldn't do.
They were wrong! They had been wrong about Ace and they were wrong about Sabo. What was the point of them if all they did was lie about the only two people who would bother to try and save him. -Stupid's.
The pirate was a bit slower on the uptake as he reached up to feel his forehead where something red and sticky coated the skin.
"Holy shit am I bleeding?" Haruta asked checking his fingers.
"Probably not," Marco said leaning over to grab the item. "He hit you with like, half of a sandwich."
"What is this then?" He rubbed his hand against his red stained forehead."
"Jam."
Sabo was quick to pull Luffy back against him. Luffy tried to push him away but the blond was insistent.
"Lu I got this," He promised hugging Luffy tightly when he gave in and leaned against his brother once again. He was willing to let it go as long as they were done saying bad things about his brothers.
"I suppose you want this back?" Marco said holding the sandwich fragment up.
"You already know I do." Sabo said taking it back, before tucking it back into his pocket.
"We should probably catch you guys up on a few things before any more food is thrown," Marco said turning his full attention to Sabo.
"You're their foster brother then?" It wasn't really a question and Sabo didn't answer. But he didn't need to. The sandwich saving was proof enough, on top of a dozen other things Marco had overlooked over the last few weeks. Ace didn't talk to anyone like he talked to Sabo. But by far the biggest hint happened a week ago, right after they got the location. Sabo fell sick and Ace held off rescuing Luffy to stay with him. Because he thought his brother was going to die.
"Your serious, aren't you?" Izo asked the blond before turning his question to Marco when Sabo didn't answer.
"Wait what?" Haruta asked.
"Any more surprise family members?" Marco pressed.
"Nope," Sabo told him after a long moment, lying as he spoke. "It's always just been the three of us." But that part was the truth.
"And you thought you shouldn't tell me this because…"
"It's-,"
"Complicated," Marco finished for him. "Yea that's what I am starting to gather."
Luffy tightened his hands on Sabo's sleeve and Sabo looked down at him curiously. He tipped his head back to look up at the older boy.
"What is it?"
He continued to stare, face blank as he blinked up at him.
"I'm not psychic," Sabo reminded him. "You're going to have to say it."
When Luffy stayed silent Sabo smiled gently at him. He had an idea what his brother wanted. But it seemed like he wasn't talking as much anymore.
"You could have told me," Marco told him after a long moment. "I would have been nicer to you." Especially if he had known what Sabo must have been going through worrying about his little brother. Working himself until he passed out with the same feverishness Ace had done. Both of them literally sick with worry.
Sabo only smiled at him. "What good would that of done me? I had bigger problems to worry about then if people were nice to me or not."
God now that he knew it was impossible not to hear Ace when he spoke.
"Yea well it might have given me some peace," Marco told him.
"You know now, are you at peace yet?"
What a snarky bastard he was. Marco looked at him and then Luffy who was falling asleep in his arms. His eyes gently falling shut before he would quickly snap himself out of it, each time tightening his hold on his older brother's sleeve, not trusting the pirates enough to fall asleep. Both of them were still just kids themselves.
"We'll talk about this later," Marco said after a moment. "How long are you going to wait before going after Ace?"
He shrugged. "Another few hours, until the marine storm passes-OW!" He pulled his hand back quickly as Luffy had bitten deeply into the palm not liking the idea of being abandoned again.
"Stop it!" He said pulling his arm back before his brother could bite it again. "Don't you want Ace back?" Sabo's eyes met Luffy's but the younger didn't say anything. After a long second Luffy broke the gaze, turning away as he pulled away from Sabo. He didn't say anything only pulling his knee tight against his chest as he turned his hurt expression into the floor.
"Hey it's okay," Sabo told him gently. "I'm sure Ace will come back on his own. We just need to give him more time okay." Luffy didn't look up.
"I'll come with you," Marco told him. "-if it comes to that." He added for Luffy's benefit.
"Thank you," Sabo told him honestly but-."
"You can manage." Marco finished for him. "I'm sure. I'll still come."
XXX
Thatch had immediately given in to Marco's suggestion and gone back to sleep but the other three pirates stayed up talking together, it seemed like they had a lot to catch up on. Sabo looked over at them, he hated missing out on what they were saying, a habit of any revolutionary worth their salt. But it didn't seem like Luffy was going to do anything without him so it was a sacrifice Sabo was happy to make.
He had grabbed one of the dusty sheets lying around, protecting some of the old barrels long since empty. Now it would protect them from how cold it was down here. He dropped his backpack besides them before shrugging his jacket off.
Luffy sat watching him with his cheek pressed against his knees. He hadn't said anything in a good little while and the silence was getting to be too much. Because Luffy always had something to say.
"I can't believe anyone would ever mess with you," Sabo finally said unable to take it any longer. "-With how sharp your teeth are."
He had been joking. His hand had been bleeding a little bit from earlier, but he honestly didn't care. But Luffy sat up at that and his expression was the furthest thing from amused. He looked devastated. And to Sabo's absolute horror a tear spilled over his cheek, with more soon to follow if this kept up.
Luffy bit his bottom lip to try and stop it from shaking. And for a horrible second Sabo was reminded of that time when he and Ace had rescued Luffy from the bandits and Luffy could barely stop crying long enough to thank them.
"Sabo-," He said very-very careful to keep his words clear. "-I'm sorry. I'm Sorry." He closed his eyes as another tear followed the first one. "I'm sorry-I'm sorry- I'm sorry." Luffy continued to repeat the words senselessly. "Sorry, sorry sorry…"
Oh my god he had broken him. Sabo quickly moved towards him trying to stop the small and absolute break down the other was having. He placed his palms on Luffy's cheeks forcing his little brother to look at him.
"Luffy it's okay I have another one!" He showed him his unmarred hand which for whatever reason only made the other cry harder. What did they do to his eternally happy little brother? No, Sabo knew what they did.
"Why do you keep apologizing to me?" He asked gently. "It's not at all like you. I'm the one who let you down."
Luffy just shook his head. "I tried. I promise I tried. I promise!"
"I know you did." Sabo told him trying to stop him before he broke down again.
"I wanted to be strong."
"You are," Sabo told him.
"I couldn't do anything!" Luffy said shaking his head. "I thought I was better- since you saw me. Less…less useless."
"Luffy you were never useless." Sabo told him.
"I am! I'm worse. I'm so-." He trailed off as his voice failed him. "-Weak."
"Lu-,"
"I couldn't stop them, I couldn't fight Teach, I couldn't fight the marines." He sniffed wiping his cheek. "I couldn't protect Thatch; I couldn't protect Ace. I can't save anyone. I can't even protect myself."
Sabo was beginning to see what this was about.
"And now- I can't even stop weaklings. I used too but… not anymore." He reached up, grabbing's Sabo's wrists as he gently pulled the older boy's hands off his cheeks. His eyes were dark and impossible to read as he looked up at his brother. "I keep trying- but I just keep failing. More and more. M' Sorry. I can't even help you get Ace." Suddenly the biting incident made a lot more sense.
He let go of Sabo's hands. "I thought you were dead. I just got you back, and I'm not strong enough to protect you."
"Oh Lu," Sabo said gently. "Is that what you think?" He hadn't really thought of it before. But it was very- Luffy like- to see things like that. See this whole horrible thing, the fact that he couldn't single handedly go up against the world government and the Blackbeard's, as his own personal weakness.
"Of course you can't protect me, or Ace. You never could. When we used to fight you never even landed a real punch."
"But-," He began only for Sabo to cut him off.
"You're our little brother. You're not supposed to protect us. We're supposed to protect you. Maybe the day will come when we spar and you can kick my butt ten times over, and then you can worry about protecting me okay. But until then you are going to have to trust me. I'm going to look out for you and Ace and I promise Ace will do the same."
"… I'm that useless?"
"You're not useless Lu. You did amazing, all on your own. I wasn't there but I know you. And I can't imagine how hard things must have gotten for you. And I'm sure you annoyed the hell out of everyone who tried to control you. But you never gave up did you?"
Luffy didn't say anything and Sabo knew he was right about this. Whatever hell Luffy had survived he hadn't done so without loss.
"This is the adults table. Like the strongest in the world. Not even the best pirates on the seas can bring these guys down. Your still young and very hurt. They've been hurting you so you can't stand up against them. But you won't stay hurt forever and you're going to get older and stronger. And then you can show them, you can show everyone."
Luffy didn't reply, instead reaching up his finger to trace Sabo's scar. His hands were light and very cold. But Sabo let him do what he wanted until he dropped his hand, deep in thought. Wholly unlike himself once again. Sabo was getting the feeling that it would take a long time for him to become like himself.
"Okay?" He asked him softly.
Luffy didn't say anything as he pushed forwards into Sabo's chest. Sabo obliged him, wrapping his arms tightly around him, all the while wondering where this sense of independence came from.
He gave Luffy his coat, and his socks to try and keep him warm, neither of which he reacted too much. He tried to get him to drink some water but Luffy didn't seem to want it and in a few minutes he was passed completely out. Leaving Sabo alone in the darkness to wonder just when the hell his little brother had become so dependable. He remembered when they were little how Luffy would hide behind their backs when he got scared. How weird that Sabo missed that now.
"I can't believe how much you went and grew up."
XXX
Hopefully you guys aren't bored. Not much happened and not much is going to happen for another two-ish chapters while they hide out before the fighting starts, And then a lot is going to happen very quickly. So These are decompression chapters. Plus I have waited a super long time to be able to have Sabo and Luffy cuddling. And after everything he went through Luffy is allowed a little melt down. Next time Ace comes back!
Also the story art I drew forever ago finally fits. So for the next chapter or so I will make it the story cover if you guys want to see how cute they are.
A few people have asked about how the whole Sabo memory thing happened, I know it has been a while and many chapters. So I made a summary of how it played out for anyone who wants a reminder and didn't want to search through forty chapters.
Summary of events: On a mission an amnesiac Sabo runs into Luffy who escaped Teach and was running from the pirates. Luffy doesn't recognize him and keeps running, Sabo then slows the pirates down and decides to go after him solely based on a gut feeling he has about him. Luffy passes out in an alleyway where Sabo finds him and takes care of him. He leaves his goggles and a note saying he will be back and then leaves to finish his mission. Luffy wakes up without realizing the goggles are on his head and he disregards the note to go save Thatch. Luffy lands himself back in Teach's custody to save Thatch and he discovers both; his brother's goggles, which he recognizes from the broken strap, and the note from Sabo. He realizes his brother might be alive. He tries to tell Thatch this but he is hysterical and the message doesn't really get across to the other. Meanwhile Sabo can't stop thinking about that kid, who vanished by the time he got back from his mission which leads him to track down Ace thinking him the one who ordered Teach to capture the kid. When he finds him Ace fills him in on what is actually going on and Sabo agrees to help him. Meanwhile Luffy continues to believe his long lost brother is alive until his near death experience when he admits to having doubts. He reasons that if Sabo really is alive he would have tried to save him and Ace and the goggles might have found their way back to Luffy all on their own.
Way at the beginning of the story Luffy tells Thatch that he had a brother names Sabo who is now dead. In chapter 31 right before Luffy is dragged away for the final time he asks Thatch to give the goggles back to his brother, who Thatch assumed was Ace and to tell his BrotherS that he loves them. So last chapter when Sabo thanked Luffy for holding onto them it clicked that they were actually Sabo's goggles and that Luffy had been talking about him not Ace.
XXX
little to no one: Aw I'm glad you like it! Don't worry Luffy is really saved not in a delusion. He is a little upset right now but he will keep getting better and better now that he is being taken care of. There might be one more angsty chapter… cough cough. But everyone will get the end they deserve! More fluffy chapters on the way!
Pause143: Aw me too! He's a biter now.
iyulia juuzou: I'm glad you liked it. Sorry it was sad. This one might be a little sad too.
SakuraS41: Yea he can. There is going to be a few chapters of Luffy getting cuddles because the battle is going to be rough. And after that everything will be sunshine and rainbows.
Kitktykatty: Thanks! I like Marco too, he's so responsible. Don't worry Luffy and him will become friends (I have a really cute plan for the two of them). More sweet, less sad Luffy next time!
BlueHeartNina: The three of them will be together next time!
RIAEVANS: Aw, That is so nice. Thank you for saying that. It is honestly so nice to hear that. I love to know that people like my story. It makes writing it worthwhile. And thank you again for saying I did the reunion justice. I was worried but I am glad to hear you liked it. Tysvm 4 leaving such a sweet review! Stay healthy as well.
Mel72000: Luffy is troublesome. But Marco is responsible!
xXxWolvesInTheNightxXx: Aw, I am so happy to hear you liked it. I was worried I wouldn't get it right!
JulieAnnaMai: Thatch does his best for Luffy! And now he doesn't liked doctors. I'm glad you liked it! I hope you like this one too!
Aquarica: Luffy is very determined. I promise more ASL fluff next time! And thank you for such a nice review!
Guest #1: So yes, Thatch thought Sabo was dead but hopefully the summary helps clear thigns up. Thatch was able to piece it together based on the goggles.
Dragonalw: Aw thanks you for being so nice. I love my fake world times. And I am glad to have this story to hide in. Thank you : )
Guest #2: Yes, their together! I know it's been a while but hopefully the summary helped. Yes, Luffy realized later that it was Sabo based on the goggles and note. He thought he was alive but later began to doubt it. You got the reasons he hates Marco perfectly. It talked about it a little in this chapter why he doesn't like Izo and Haruta, he thinks they are liars.
Demon-night24: I'm so glad you liked it! Thatch is more observant then he gets credit for!
OnePieceDoesExist: As thanks : ) Nope, no Luffy escaping Marco. And thank you! I'm glad I did it justice I was worried. More on Luffy's trauma later! Don't worry the three will be together again really soon.
DemonKittyAngel: That's true. He could have handled that a bit better. He might have figured it out except he hadn't expected the two of them to lie about their relationship and he was getting some mixed signals from Sabo not remembering Ace so there was a bit of tension between them at the beginning that I think threw him off. Luffy is a certified badass, in the cannon. I love him. He will be back to his old bouncy self eventually. I think like the cannon Sabo isn't going to cry in front of Luffy and everyone. Then eh couldn't make fun of Luffy for doing it. Cute idea! I will inform my associates.
Kitsune Foxfire: I glad : ) I will try to make up for all the sadness.
A balm to my bruised soul. Thanks.
GreyWolf43: Oh my goodness, that is so sweet. Aw, you made me blush. Thank you. I just have too much free time and I procrastinate studying. But This is so nice to hear! I hope I can continue to improve! Thanks for the support. I am really great full to always have such supporting readers. Most of my writing doesn't see the light of day so I am always happy when I get to share.
Akai-Tsubasa136: Of course!
Guest #3: Wow, that was like four years ago. Way to hang in there. Don't worry. It is not coming to an end until I figure out how not to use writing as an emotional crutch XD. I have a story line and we are getting there bit by bit. But not that soon.
CoolCatz14: Aw thanks. I am really glad you liked the reunion. The three of them will be back together soonQ
Sakihinata: Of course! Thanks for reading.
94Insane: Poor Luffy. But he is in good hands now.
NekoUsagi1234: Luffy does need a lot of TLC. And the Whitebeards will be surprised to see Ace's big brother mode.
Wandering-Mind 95: Aw, sorry to make you sad. Hopefully the ASL reunion can happen next chapter! And it won't be too sad! I think. Luffy has changed a lot but he just needs some support! Akainu might be a problem though…
Criis46: They will all be together soon!
Kalon Thorn: Aw, That's so nice. I am so glad. I always worry I'm not doing Luffy justice.
leafpool5: Sabo will take care of him now! I really try to do my best to write Luffy's character. It is kind of tricky because he is hardly sad in the cannon and when he is it passes quickly. But I will do my best.
Tinajp: Aw thank you. I'm glad to hear that people liked it. I was worried. Luffy is a mess right now. But he is still trying his best to keep it together.
Wordlet: Luffy will get better! It might not seem like it but him breaking down is the start to him realizing that he doesn't have to fight alone anymore. And plenty more of him and Thatch later on! Thanks for reading!
Seawaterdrop: I'm glad you liked it. I am so happy to hear you like it! I try my best with this story, it has a special place in my heart. That is so so nice to hear though. I love being able to share my story with other people. And I am so glad it's worth it.
Mudkip246: That is so nice to say! Thank you. I am glad I did it justice. I was worried about it. They will be back together soon!
vcelinka123: Of course!